The Daily Astro for January 31, 2013

by Valerie Sylvester

TODAY’S ASTRO:

The Moon enters the diplomatic, socially adept sign of Libra at 1:36 AM EST and forms a wide Grand Trine (Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Libra and Jupiter in Gemini) in the process. Since Jupiter just went direct, this can be a real “mind-opener” combination. Mental energy flows easily as the Sun and Moon connect with the Great Benefic, Jupiter. This combo can give us the boost we need to glide through the day, in spite of some of the other aspects in play.

At 8:03 AM EST, a Mars/Saturn aspect can mean you’re desperate to go, but there’s something in the way. Surprise, it’s often ourselves! This morning on the way to the office we were stuck behind a lumbering truck that we called “Snuffaluffugus”, because it had a giant metal “snout” in front. We were in a hurry and this truck was moving VERY slowly. That’s Mars/Saturn all the way! Sometimes you just have to deal with unexpected obstacles. Just hold that thought for the rest of the day. The Moon opposes Uranus at 11:44 AM EST. If you’re trying to get people together for lunch, everyone will want to go someplace different and one person will probably say no to every one of your suggested venues. It’s a wayward influence, but if you’re flexible and open to last-minute detours, you might trip over something interesting.

At 1:01 PM EST the Moon/Jupiter trine may lead to an increase in socializing, conversations and getting feedback by bouncing ideas back and forth with others, so it’d be a great time for a brainstorming session. After that we get Moon/Chiron (3:23 PM EST) and Moon/Pluto (8:16 PM EST), so late afternoon and evening may be challenging as we may find we or others are focusing on what we lack or where we’ve been hurt. Feathers may be ruffled easily and people may be reacting defensively or automatically in order to avoid dealing with painful situations or feelings. We’ll be acutely aware of our shortcomings; the challenge is to make the decision to heal the sore spots instead of constantly re-opening old wounds.

THE SYMBOLS:

Sabian Symbol for today’s Sun: “People on stairs graduated upwards.”Kozminsky Symbol for today’s Sun: “A beautiful woman tending a dove with injured wing. On a table a manuscript, a bundle of letters, and an open book.”
The Keyword for the Sabian Symbol is: “ PROGRESSION.”
The Keyword for the Kozminsky Symbol is “REFORMING.”

The Kozminsky Symbolis a perfect representation of today’s Grand Trine in air signs. All the air sign signifiers are there–the bird (flight, moving through the air, the spirit of things), the letters (quick communication about day-to-day matters, a Gemini signifier) and books and manuscripts (Jupiterian–Jupiter is associated with publishing, books and higher knowledge). The woman feels for a being other than herself (Libra Moon) and takes action rather than just talking about how terrible it is that the dove is hurt. Libra is a cardinal sign, and cardinal signs start things.

This Symbol also relates to reforms or actions that are useful and help others, so we’re being told here that no matter how exalted our ideas about making change, if they remain in our heads as abstract concepts and don’t translate into real-world action, that’s all very nice, but they’re inert, lifeless. The key to a grand trine is doing something with the energy. Trines are considered fortunate, but if you just sit around, you’re not going to get the full benefit. It’s almost too easy to become an armchair philosopher and then wonder why you’re still sitting in your bathrobe at 9 pm. A motivating force is needed or you’re stuck in a closed loop.

The Sabian Symbol echoes some of the same themes noted above. The idea here is that we’re constantly growing and changing, which moves us forward (“up the stairs”) during different stages of growth. Some people are at the top of the steps, others are just starting out. As we learn, we move to a new step. Inherent in this image is that people on the “higher” steps should encourage and teach those who have more to learn and not just be concerned about getting to the top (this reflects the Moon in Libra emphasis today). If someone is struggling or feels blocked (remember the Mars/Saturn aspect today), others who have had similar experiences are there to help. Progress is a group effort. Cooperation is key here, and remembering that we’re all in it together (the Sun is in Aquarius, after all). Pitfalls? Excessive competitiveness, jealousy, “pulling rank”.

THE DAILY DRAW:

4 of Swords / Strength

We’re doing the air/fire dance again today, fanning the fires, although with the 4 of Swords starting us off, it looks like we’re off the dance floor taking a break! This combination seems to me like recharging a battery in order to dive back into the fray later. Time off for rest, meditation, recuperation and re-evaluation is needed. Strength is a Leo card and Leo is the sign opposite Aquarius, where we currently find the Sun, Mercury and Mars (although Mars moves from Aquarius to Pisces tomorrow.) Take a look at whatever it is you’re struggling with and notice where the conflict comes from. Are there habits you need to “tame” or give up? Is there a balance between how much time you spend on yourself and how much time you spend on others? Is it time for a “tactical retreat” to build yourself up in order to complete tasks in the future? Dropping out for a bit is not defeat; you can’t keep running on no fuel.